What is wrong with church? (Jesus, mystic, homosexuals, preacher)

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by yossarian22

Other than being called a heathen, getting hit several times with a book (the yellow pages no less), and getting literally thrown out?
Not much.

What did you do?!

[yossarian22]

Originally Posted by MidnightBlue

What did you do?!

I forget. I was dragged there the Sunday before Christmas. 6 years ago I think. I made a crude remark about the holiday, which led to a discussion, which culminated in me getting hit on the head with the Yellow Pages (which ought to be classified as a weapon), and getting picked up by 3 people, and getting thrown out the front door.

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by yossarian22

I forget. I was dragged there the Sunday before Christmas. 6 years ago I think. I made a crude remark about the holiday, which led to a discussion, which culminated in me getting hit on the head with the Yellow Pages (which ought to be classified as a weapon), and getting picked up by 3 people, and getting thrown out the front door.

Nice people.

The father of a friend of mine was an officer in the White Army, and when he met a Communist he had known in Russia at church, all he did was spit on his shoes. You have to know where to draw the line.

[Aasimar]

Originally Posted by tomspug

I would like a general perspective on people's experience with any sort of church. If you were turned off by it, why? This topic is less about theology and philosophy and more about religion and the way it makes you feel.

I could make an endless list of the problems that I think are in today's churches, but I would like to hear the opinions of others. Fire away!

All the ones I've been too can't even comprehend the idea of being self-critical and questioning why you believe what you believe.

That and they have all been very manipulative (i.e. cookies and videos to make kids want to go to Sunday school to pump their heads full of nonsense.)

[Storm]

Originally Posted by MidnightBlue

I love Unitarian-Universalists, and I love talking to them after services, but the services I've attended have been tediously reminiscent of mainline Protestant services edited for inclusivity.

Yeah, it took me a while to warm up to my new church for just that reason. I bet you would've liked my old one, though. Tiny little congregation stuck in the middle of Lubbock, TX, but wonderful services that were more like academic lectures, with topics like exploring the mythological structure and themes of the Genesis story.

I miss that.

[Hope]

Originally Posted by tomspug

I would like a general perspective on people's experience with any sort of church. If you were turned off by it, why? This topic is less about theology and philosophy and more about religion and the way it makes you feel.

I could make an endless list of the problems that I think are in today's churches, but I would like to hear the opinions of others. Fire away!

Oh man, don't get me started.

I nearly didn't become a Christian due to church----or, rather, the people in the church. I can relate so well to many of the experiences already shared.

The church I grew up in, and felt "trapped" in for over twenty years, had cult-like qualities. It left me with deep, deep scars, and memories I wish I could erase. Best not for me to elaborate on that......

I have, since then, attended various churches, some of which were ok, but still left me with the feeling that I was "on the outside looking in," or just a spectator. I'm not a fan of most of those "mega-churches" so popular today. They only exacerbate the impersonal feeling.

I also don't care for some of those charismatic churches that work themselves up into a completely superficial frenzy, and sing the same daggone song that has maybe two verses about ten times in a row. Drives me nuts.

Fortunately, God has extended grace to me, and allowed me to experience glimpses of what church can look like when it properly reflects Him. One of those glimpses is through the church I currently attend-----I was welcomed warmly the first time I walked through the doors, and have been going ever since. What struck me the most about this church was the diversity of people beneath its roof----people of all races, backgrounds, incomes, etc,----bound together in love and unity because of Christ. It was the first church I'd ever been to where I felt like I mattered, where I knew I was loved, where I was encouraged to participate and not just spectate, and where I experienced the true community that is the Body of Christ.

Another glimpse I had was at a church I visited a few months ago. It had more charismatic leanings than my home church (which is pretty low-key), but it was charismatic in a good way.....without all the hype and fluff and over-emotionalism. These people were genuine. They were some of the most loving, genuinely joyful people I've ever met. Their services often involved impromptu dancing, and kids were everywhere. It was kind of like a constant party, involving one big family.

So I've had good experiences and bad experiences. Thankfully, I've come to see that the good experiences are the true reflection of who God is and what church should be like.